The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Change to Auto Trans

I have a 66 Chevy stepside with straight 6,3 on the tree. I would like to change it to an automatic trans, does that make sense? Would there be enough power from the 6 cylinder?

Yes. Trucks older than your 66 have come with an auto and 6. I would recommend picking up a newer overdrive trans, such as a 200r4 or 700r4 to get overdrive.

Where would be a good place to start looking for the parts I will need. I think I need a different steering column, of course a new trans, different peddles.

Thanks

You will also need a different carburetor. Carburetors for engines with automatic transmissions are calibrated 1/2 size to 1 size RICHER to compensate for the fluid coupling heat losses (one reason why an automatic will never get as good mileage as a manual with the same gearing). Failure to change carburetors will result in major idle issues.

Have never gone this way, but have made many conversions the other direction (remove automatic, install manual). Average fuel economy saving with the manual is 15~20 percent.

Jon.

Well it is getting to be to much and with the cost of gas I better stick with the 3 speed. What I need to do now is rebuild my steering column because when you shift, it locks up sometimes. What is the best way to take care of that problem.

Rocky - the shifter locking up is slop in the shift box on the column under the hood - open it up, clean out the old gummy grease and insure that the slot and pawls in there are in good shape and the spring in it is sound - regrease and try it again - also may need adjusting, which procedure should be in your shop manual .... you do have a shop manual, don'tcha?

Bill

I would put a 5-speed behind the engine vs the 3 speed.

Thanks Bill I guess I will be getting a shop manual. But do I have to read it too :hammering: LOL

I believe the 66 has the shift mech. built in the column. You will need to tear down the column & build up the levers & adjust the lower brg. I like Scotts suggestion. The 5 speed is easier swap then the auto.

I am lost on that 5 speed do you mean manual on the floor?

Yes. A lot of Stovebolters are getting the T-5 manual 5 speed from mid 80,s S-10s & putting it in. It gives you syncro. forward gears & an o-drive for the highway. There is info in the Tech tips & lots of posts on the subject the last few months. If you are satisfied with your 3 speed it will still be easier to repair the shift column.

Also I was wondering, I guess I am trying to decide the best way to go, is there a better steering column maybe a different year that would work better. What I don't like about my column is that it is to close to the driver and there isn't any room. It needs to be closer to the dash.

just put a floor shifter in for your 3 speed

a t-5 out of a s-10 truck or a camaro, is a good choice. go to tech tips on this site and read about it. i have one on my 54 and i love it. ron

I went to tech tips but it didn't sound very easy to do. Were should I get a trans at a recking yard? And what about the clutch that sounds like the hard part.